Jennings County, Indiana

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Indiana county number 40

Jennings County is a county located in the U.S. state of Indiana. As of 2000, the population was 27,554. The county seat is Vernon^[1].

• 1 History
• 2 Government
• 3 Geography
  • 3.1 Cities and towns
  • 3.2 Unincorporated towns
  • 3.3 Townships
  • 3.4 Adjacent counties
  • 3.5 Major highways
  • 3.6 National protected areas
• 4 Demographics
• 5 Notable residents
• 6 References
• 7 See also

History

Jennings County was formed in 1817. It was named for the first Governor of Indiana and a nine term congressman, Jonathan Jennings. Jennings was governor when the county was organized.^[2]

Government

The county government is a constitutional body, and is granted specific powers by the Constitution of Indiana, and by the Indiana Code.

County Council: The county council is the legislative branch of the county government and controls all the spending and revenue collection in the county. Representatives are elected from county districts. The council members serve four year terms. They are responsible for setting salaries, the annual budget, and special spending. The council also has limited authority to impose local taxes, in the form of an income and property tax that is subject to state level approval, excise taxes, and service taxes.^[3][4]

Board of Commissioners: The executive body of the county is made of a board of commissioners. The commissioners are elected county-wide, in staggered terms, and each serves a four-year term. One of the commissioners, typically the most senior, serves as president. The commissioners are charged with executing the acts legislated by the council, collecting revenue, and managing the day-to-day functions of the county government.^[3][4]

Court: The county maintains a small claims court that can handle some civil cases. The judge on the court is elected to a term of four years and must be a member of the Indiana Bar Association. The judge is assisted by a constable who is also elected to a four-year term. In some cases, court decisions can be appealed to the state level circuit court.^[4]

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